Keeping your Cambridge rental property looking fresh and inviting doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few simple upgrades, you can attract quality tenants, boost property value, and make your rental stand out in a competitive market.
Here are eight affordable home improvement ideas that deliver maximum impact without breaking your budget.

1. Paint the Kitchen Cabinets
Give your rental kitchen a modern refresh by painting the cabinets instead of replacing them. A few coats of durable, neutral-colored paint can completely transform the space at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update your property’s look.
2. Update Cabinet Hardware
Small details can make a big difference. Swapping out old handles and drawer pulls for sleek, modern hardware instantly upgrades your kitchen and bathroom. All you need is a screwdriver and an eye for style to create a polished new look.
3. Replace Outlet and Light Switch Plates
Faded or cracked outlet covers can make a rental feel older than it is. Replacing them with bright, clean plates is a simple, low-cost improvement that instantly makes the entire home look cleaner and more cared for.
4. Upgrade Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Good lighting changes everything. Replace dated fixtures with modern designs and choose bulbs that provide warm, consistent light throughout your home. Matching bulbs in ceiling fans, bathrooms, and hallways create a cohesive, inviting atmosphere that tenants notice right away.

5. Install New Faucets
Replacing faucets in the kitchen and bathroom gives your property a quick facelift. Modern fixtures not only look better but also improve functionality. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and a small upgrade that tenants really appreciate.
6. Refresh the Bathroom Vanity
Bathrooms sell rentals. If your vanity looks outdated, replace it with a stylish, affordable option. A modern vanity instantly elevates the entire space and makes your property feel more like a home than a rental.

7. Add Trim or Crown Molding
Wall trim is a simple way to add sophistication and value. Outdated baseboards or door trim can make a home feel tired. Installing new trim, a chair rail, or crown molding gives your rooms a fresh, upscale touch that renters love.
8. Create a Feature Wall
Want your rental to stand out? Add a feature wall. A pop of color, decorative trim, or even built-in shelving can give the space personality. This affordable upgrade helps your property photograph better and appeal to tenants looking for something special in Cambridge’s competitive rental market.
Small Improvements, Big Results
Simple, affordable upgrades can completely change the way tenants see your property. With the right improvements, your rental can go from ordinary to exceptional—all without spending thousands.
At Real Property Management Commonwealth, we help Cambridge property owners make smart, cost-effective upgrades that increase tenant satisfaction and rental income. Our expert team handles everything from maintenance coordination to full-service management so you can enjoy stress-free ownership.
Call us today at 617-299-2342 or contact us online to learn how our Cambridge property management services can help you maximize your investment.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

